Thief breaks out of locked shop during robbery in Edinburgh

The man, who is in his early 20s, stole from the U Save store on Colinton Mains Drive

A thief who managed to break out of an Edinburgh shop after he was locked in by a member of staff during a robbery is being sought by police.

The man, who is in his early 20s, entered the U Save store on Colinton Mains Drive at 07:30 on Monday and assaulted a 45-year-old shop assistant.

He then stole a three-figure sum of cash from behind the counter before being locked in.

He broke out and was seen running towards Colinton Mains Road.

He is white, between 5ft 4in and 5ft 8in, of slim build, and has short, spiky blond hair.

He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a dark grey and blue hooded top, which was zipped up to cover his face, black cotton tracksuit bottoms and light brown or grey woollen gloves.

Det Sgt Robbie Wallace, of Police Scotland, said: "This was clearly a very distressing episode for the shop assistant, who was treated for a minor injury at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and we are working hard to identify the man responsible.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious near the U Save store on Monday morning should contact Police Scotland on 101 as soon as possible or, alternatively, phone the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."